Examining the relationship between urban form and social inequality: A neighborhood-level analysis

Abstract

Inequality is a pervasive aspect of human life, manifesting spatially and intertwining with urban form and the built environment. While compactness can enhance urban equity, sprawling forms often amplify disparities. This study explores how compactness and sprawl influence spatial and social inequalities at the neighborhood scale in Ahvaz, Iran. Unlike prior studies, it employs multidimensional indicators to examine urban form alongside inequality and population density, addressing both spatial and statistical dimensions. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models, this study evaluates socio-spatial inequalities across 111 neighborhoods. Results reveal that compact neighborhoods generally exhibit lower social and spatial inequality due to better access to urban services, while sprawling areas, particularly in the periphery, face significant inequities. For instance, a one-unit increase in compactness correlates with a 15.2% reduction in social inequality and a 40.5% reduction in spatial inequality. However, the effects of population density vary across neighborhoods; higher density in marginalized areas may exacerbate inequality, necessitating context-sensitive planning. The findings underline the importance of promoting compact urban forms while addressing socio-economic disparities. Recommendations include tailoring urban planning policies to local contexts, improving infrastructure in marginalized neighborhoods, and enhancing service distribution to achieve spatial equity. This research highlights how urban form interventions can mitigate inequalities, contributing to sustainable and resilient urban development in rapidly urbanizing regions like Ahvaz.